AmCham China Hosts the 2024 Social Impact Summit
On August 27, AmCham China hosted the 2024 Social Impact Summit at the Hilton Hotel in Beijing. This annual Signature Event, attended by around 90 participants, marked the culmination of the 2023-2024 Social Impact Initiative and the official launch of the 2024 Social Impact Reports. The Summit focused on green development, rural revitalization, and digital empowerment, featuring high-level speakers from the Chinese government, think tanks, social organizations, and member companies who shared insights and best practices to drive positive social change. Click here to download the 2024 Social Impact Reports!
Wen Hua (pictured above), Deputy Director General of the NDRC, delivered the first keynote speech, noting China’s strategic plans for carbon peaking and neutrality, supported by over 30 key sectoral initiatives. He highlighted progress in renewable energy, industrial transformation, and the building and transportation sectors. Wen concluded with three suggestions for US-China cooperation in green trade, technology, and market collaboration, calling for businesses from both nations to enhance partnerships in new energy and environmental protection to drive the global green transition.
Next, Siddharth Chatterjee (pictured above), UN Resident Coordinator in China, highlighted a number of severe global challenges: COVID-19’s economic impact, escalating climate change, ongoing conflicts, and worsening inequality. He emphasized the need for international cooperation, especially between the US and China, to address these issues.
Zhang Xiaoyan, Vice President of the China Center for Information Industry Development, discussed new industrialization in China, focusing on its innovation-driven transformation, green production methods, and industrial chain resilience. She showcased China’s advancements in 5G, large cruise ships, and robotics, suggesting that foreign enterprises leverage China’s R&D capabilities, utilize its innovation-friendly system, and explore opportunities related to its industrial growth.
The first panel, titled “The Role of Multinational Corporations in Advancing Global Climate Action and China’s Green Transition,” was moderated by Wu Jing, Vice President of Public Affairs at UPS China and Co-Chair of AmCham China’s Business Sustainability Committee. Panelists included Olive Liu, Chief of Staff at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) China; Gracie Sun, Senior Advisor at the Paulson Institute, Managing Director of the Institute’s Green Finance Center, and Chair for APAC at Basilinna Advisory LLC; and Wendi Tao, Director of Government Affairs and Policy in China at GE Vernova China. The discussion emphasized how multinational corporations utilize technology and sustainable practices to advance climate action and support China’s green transition.
The second panel, titled “Driving Inclusive Growth: Corporate Strategies and Actions for Social Responsibility,” was moderated by Peter Zhong, Senior Vice President at Edelman China and Co-Chair of AmCham China’s Marketing, Advertising, and PR Committee. Panelists included Ding Yadong, Deputy Secretary General of the China Foundation for Rural Development; Justin Liu, Senior Director and Head of Greater China Government Affairs and Public Policy & Beijing Site Leader at PayPal; and Peng Jilai, Partner and General Manager of the Beijing Office at SynTao Consulting. The discussion highlighted corporate collaborations with social organizations to promote social equity and reduce development disparities in China.
Following the keynote speeches and panel discussions, AmCham China President Michael Hart officially unveiled the Chamber’s 2024 Social Impact Reports. The Reports, published in separate English and Chinese editions, feature case studies from 22 member companies and share the positive social impact outcomes achieved over the past year, showcasing how these companies leverage their unique strengths and areas of expertise to successfully implement sustainable development, low-carbon transformation, and corporate social responsibility practices in China.
The Summit concluded with the Social Impact Award ceremony, recognizing members companies that have significantly contributed to AmCham China’s Social Impact Initiative and China’s social development over the past year. Winners of the 2024 Social Impact Awards included Amazon, USANA Babycare, Google, HPE, SLB, and Merck.
The 2024 Social Impact Summit highlighted the importance of green transition, corporate social responsibility, and digital transformation for a sustainable future. AmCham China looks forward to continuing this important work with its members in the upcoming 2024-2025 Social Impact Initiative. Special thanks to this year’s sponsors – Amazon, Babycare, Dell Technologies, Google, HPE, Merck, and SLB – for their support of the program and AmCham China’s advocacy efforts.
Click here to download the 2024 Social Impact Reports!
The 2023 Social Impact Summit emphasized the vital roles of ESG, digital transformation, and rural revitalization for a better future. Through insightful discussions and impactful awards, the Summit showcased a collective commitment to driving positive change. The Chamber looks forward to continuing this meaningful work in collaboration with our members in the upcoming 2023-2024 Social Impact Initiative programming.
AmCham China launched the innovative Social Impact Initiative (SII) in July 2020. The core principle driving this Initiative is our belief that the private sector has a meaningful role to play in helping China achieve its development goals, and that AmCham China members are uniquely qualified to assist.
With the spirit of sharing, commitment, collaboration, and engagement in win-win cooperation, we will continue to explore new public-private partnership opportunities in the realms of digital economy, green development, and rural revitalization. Click here to learn more about the Social Impact Initiative!